Abuja residents at risk of HIV can now access a new injectable option that requires just two doses a year.
The Federal Capital Territory has started offering free LenPrEP at selected hospitals and clinics, including Asokoro District Hospital.
Health officials say the long-acting injection gives people a simpler way to protect themselves compared with daily pills.
Nigeria continues to record new HIV cases each quarter.
In the first three months of 2026 alone, the country saw more than 20,000 fresh infections.
The FCT, which has an HIV prevalence of around 1.4 per cent, joins a pilot programme backed by the Global Fund that covers eight locations: Benue, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ebonyi, Gombe, Kwara, Cross River and the FCT.
Health workers will provide the injection mainly to groups who face higher chances of exposure, such as serodiscordant couples and other key populations.
Officials note that pregnant women cannot receive it for now because safety data remains limited.
The move forms part of wider efforts to bring down new infections and move closer to national targets for epidemic control.
LenPrEP has shown strong results in studies, and the twice-yearly schedule may help more people stick with protection over time.
FCT health authorities plan to expand access step by step while they monitor supply and train staff.
The Federal Ministry of Health coordinates the programme with support from international partners.
This development offers another tool in the prevention toolbox at a time when convenience matters for many Nigerians who find daily medication difficult to maintain.
